Austria’s New Dietary Guidelines Recommend Less Meat, More Plant Proteins

Austria’s Ministry of Health has released new dietary guidelines recommending eating less meat, fish, and dairy in favor of plant-based proteins. The guidelines, developed collaboratively with various health and nutrition agencies, include a new “plate model” that emphasizes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and plant proteins. This is the first time plant-based proteins have been given a separate category in the guidelines, with specific recommendations for both meat-eaters and vegetarians on servings per week.

The update aligns with a trend towards plant-based eating in dietary guidelines worldwide. Germany recently updated its guidelines to include the benefits of plant-based foods, and the World Health Organization is working on global guidelines with a focus on plant-based versus animal-based foods. Austria’s Ministry of Health will release official food pyramids later this year, including versions for omnivores and vegetarians, with a current vegan FAQ available on their website for guidance.